By Mattd1991 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4418204
Man City are coming under a lot of scrutiny following six games without a victory in all competitions, the longest barren spell in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career, yet they still remain top of the table. Individual errors are costing the Citizens and although these mistakes are less likely to be punished by West Brom from open play, they could come under some serious pressure from set-pieces as the Baggies have scored 70% of their goals from dead-ball situations this season.
Under Pulis, West Brom’s record when hosting top-six sides reads W3-D4-L3, meaning they have the ability to cause problems. In four of the last five of these both teams have scored, which has been the case with their last five league matches as they certainly carry a bit more of a threat going forward but they’ve kept just two clean sheets all season. City’s errors at the back have been highlighted and their only clean sheet this term was at home to Bournemouth so both teams to find the net look a solid shout.
Since the start of last term, City are unbeaten in their 11 trips to bottom-half clubs, drawing four and winning seven of these. Interestingly, eight of these 11 matches were level at the break and as Pulis is likely to set his team up so they’re difficult to beat the HT draw at 2.4 is an option. However, Guardiola’s side does have the ability to blow teams away so we’ll stick to BTTS – Yes for now.
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at 1.95
